AIM: To quantitatively measure and evaluate the VEGF-A, platelet derived growth factor(PDGF)and pigment epithelium derired factor(PEDF)in the aqueous humor of patients with neovascular glaucoma(NVG).

METHODS: Prospectively clinical study. This study involved 23 eyes of 23 patients with advanced NVG and 23 control subjects with age related cataract. Protein concentrations of VEGF-A, PDGF and PEDF in aqueous humor and plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)tests.

RESULTS: The VEGF-A and PDGF concentrations in aqueous humor from NVG patients were(1130.56±69.32)ng/L and(221.95±56.08)ng/L, respectively. Both of them were significantly higher than control subject(226.45±37.46)ng/L,(36.25±7.12)ng/L(P<0.01). Aqueous PEDF was significantly lower in the NVG group(195.69±42.00)ng/L than that in controls(497.89±12.52)ng/L(P<0.01). However, levels of VEGF-A, PDGF and PEDF in the serum of NVG were(226.45±37.46)ng/L,(29.57±6.31)ng/L and(13.24±1.76)ng/L, respectively, which were similar with control subjects(219±34.89)ng/L,(28.28±7.24)ng/L and(12.96±2.08)ng/L(P>0.05). The concentrations of VEGF-A were closely positive correlated with levels of PDGF in the aqueous humor of patients with NVG(r=0.502, P=0.015). However, the concentrations of VEGF-A were closely negative correlated with levels of PEDF in the aqueous humor of patients with NVG(r=-0.480, P=0.020).

CONCLUSION: There were higher levels of VEGF-A and PDGF, and lower level of PEDF in the aqueous humor of patients with NVG. There was a positive correlation between VEGF-A and PDGF, a negative correlation between VEGF-A and PEDF. The combination of anti-VEGF agent, PDGF inhibitor and PEDF may provide a new idea for the treatment of NVG.